Driving safely on the road should be the goal of any driver. Any given day on the road is a chance of an accident, but some days are more dangerous than others. The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the “100 deadliest days of summer” for a number of reasons. Several factors all add up to what makes this timeframe so dangerous. Some of these factors that make the road so dangerous include:
More young drivers
With school being out for the summer, more teen drivers are on the road. These drivers can be prone to distractions like overcrowded vehicles and speeding. The inexperience of a teen driver can also become a critical factor in any accidents involving these drivers.
Vacationing families
Families on a road trip can be more of a danger on the road than you may expect. Long road trips can cause driver fatigue, reckless driving by speeding to a destination, and distraction from upset children in the vehicle. With so much to focus on, it can be easy for one of these drivers to be distracted from those around them.
Drunk drivers
The 100 deadliest days of summer have plenty of holidays that see an increase in drinking while driving, but any time in the summer has an increased potential to encounter a drunk driver. College students out of school for the summer may be drinking and driving any day of the week, making it important to keep an eye on your surroundings for signs of a drunk driver, such as swerving and irregular speeds.
Road conditions
Summer weather can erode the quality of the roads you are driving on, wearing away roads and causing driving hazards. Additionally, summer is also the best time of the year for road repairs. These construction zones can come up suddenly for drivers, creating unexpected traffic jams and other hazards.
Stay vigilant this summer
When you are driving this summer, keep in mind that the roads can be more dangerous than you expect them to be. Make an extra effort to watch for these dangers on your journeys and keep yourself from falling victim to the 100 deadliest days of summer.